Volunteers deliver holiday spirit

IF you want to get into the holiday spirit a little early this year, and have some time to share, Hospice and Palliative Care Manitoba needs volunteers who can deliver.

Their 12th annual Poinsettia Fund-raising Project is in the works, and they need people to sort, organize and deliver the beautiful holiday plants to individuals, corporations and personal care homes. The plants are being sold to benefit the organization's volunteer visiting program for palliative patients and/or their families.

The deadline for ordering the plants is Nov. 24. Six-inch single plants in red, white or pink, and seven-inch double plants in red or red and white are available. Plants are purchased by Hospice at a reduced rate from Van Der Veen's Nurseries in Carman.

Some people will pick up their orders, but others will opt to have them delivered. That's where the volunteers come in.

"We will need 60 to 70 volunteers in all," says Carmen Court, co-ordinator of volunteers for Hospice. "For those delivering, it's more efficient if two people can work together, because you have to keep the car running to keep the plants warm. One person must be an adult. Families and groups are welcome to help out. They must also be willing to deliver without mileage compensation."

Those who will be packing and sorting the orders must be at least 16, able to follow written and verbal directions, and pay attention to detail.

"We take this project very seriously," says Court.

This year's project is expected to sell 1,400 plants, up by about 200 from last year.

"They are beautiful plants with pretty leaves," says Court. "We include a care guide, with instructions on how to get them to flower in future seasons."

The poinsettia program is co-ordinated by volunteer Bev Kotowich.

Delivery volunteers are required on the following dates: Dec. 2 and 12, for corporate deliveries; Dec. 6 (community deliveries); and Dec. 9 (personal care homes).

For further information, call Hospice and Palliative Care Manitoba at 889-8525. For a poinsettia order form, ask for Joan Lawless, fund-raising director. To volunteer, contact Carmen Court.

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